Overview
- Pirates of the Caribbean reopened on June 26, 2026, and the refurbishment introduced a new transforming Audio‑Animatronic in the attraction’s treasure grotto.
- The figure pairs a traditional animatronic body with a projection‑mapped, 3D‑printed facial shell that shows expressions and decay with no visible moving face parts.
- Animation data runs in real time into Unreal Engine so the projected face tracks the moving figure, and hidden UV markers plus redundant projectors keep the image aligned on the ride.
- Imagineering says the approach cuts fragile mechanical face components and lets teams change expressions, timing, and visuals through software rather than hardware, with automated daily calibration and cooling systems to support operation in a dark water ride.
- Disney presents the installation as a scalable storytelling platform, but the company has not announced plans to install the system at other parks such as Walt Disney World.